Route 20 Closing This Weekend: What To Know

OXFORD, MA — Drivers planning to use Route 20 will encounter a major detour this weekend.

MassDOT is in the midst of a major overhaul of a more than 3-mile section of Route 20 between Charlton and Oxford near the Auburn line. This weekend's closure allows construction crews to replace a series of culverts under the roadway.

The closure was initially scheduled to begin Friday night, but has been pushed back to Saturday due to expected heavy rain. The closure will begin at around 8 p.m. Saturday with westbound traffic detoured along Route 56, through Rochdale and along Stafford Street. The detour ends at Hammond Hill Road. View a map of the detour route here.

The closure will last until 7 a.m. Sunday when only a single eastbound lane will reopen. A westbound lane will reopen by noon Sunday.

This weekend's closure kicks off a longer reduction that will begin Monday. One lane will be open in each direction until Friday. The same reduction will take place from Oct. 10 to the afternoon on Oct. 13.

According to MassDOT, the project along a busy stretch of Route 20 will widen the road, replace bridges over the Little and French rivers, add sidewalks and shared use paths, and enhance stormwater treatment. The project also includes a proposed roundabout in Charlton near the intersection of Oxbow Road.